Application of the discrete element method for modeling of rock crack propagation and coalescence in the step-path failure mechanism

• Published in: Engineering geology Vol. 153; pp. 80 - 94
• Main Authors: Camones, Luis Arnaldo Mejía, Vargas, Eurípedes do Amaral, de Figueiredo, Rodrigo Peluci, Velloso, Raquel Quadros
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier B.V 08.02.2013; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Buildings. Public works; Coalescence; Coalescing; Computation methods. Tables. Charts; Crack coalescence; Discrete element method; Exact sciences and technology; Failure; Failure mechanisms; Fracture mechanics; Geotechnics; Mathematical analysis; Rock; Rock crack propagation; Rock slope stability; Soil mechanics. Rocks mechanics; Step path; Structural analysis. Stresses; Step path; Discrete element method; Crack coalescence; Rock crack propagation; Rock slope stability; Failure mechanisms; Rock mechanics; Mechanism analysis; Slope stability; Modeling; Crack propagation; Coalescence; Application; Damaging

The present study evaluates the discrete element method (DEM) as a tool for understanding the step-path failure mechanism in fractured rock masses. Initially, the study simulates crack propagation and coalescence in biaxial and triaxial laboratory tests. The results of this analysis show that the DE...